Meet debut author Gray Williams, whose novel The End of the Line came out just yesterday!
Not only is he represented by agent extraordinaire Juliet Mushens (jealous!), he recently did his first author event at The Riff Raff’s monthly author salon, where I will be speaking in August. This is in no way an excuse for me to hijack this interview and point you in the direction of the ticket link…
Tell us a little about your book and how you came to write it.
My book is essentially Reservoir Dogs meets American Gods. The End of the Line is set in the modern-day with one big difference, magic is real and anyone can do it. The story follows Amanda Coleman, a professional criminal, as she tries to banish a demon her gang summoned. She and the rag-tag team of crooks who had survived the demon’s attention have to take it, in chains, to a remote circle of stones in Siberia, the only place it can be killed. But is it trapped with them? Or are they trapped with it? I came up with idea of criminals being trapped on a train with a psychic serial killer and it all blossomed from there!
What makes your book unique?
The setting I think. Lots of the reviews so far love the set up for the story. It’s almost a locked-room mystery, so much of it happening in one place, all these people who dislike each other trapped together. It’s very claustrophobic and very, very tense.
Your book is now in readers’ hands. Which part of being published are you most excited about?
So far I’ve loved doing events. I’ve just been to a debut author night called The Riff-Raff and I really enjoyed reading in front of an audience and answering questions. I liked it more than I thought I would!
What has been the most challenging part of your journey to publication?
It’s impossible not to have doubts sometimes. And there have been dark nights where I considered giving up. I’m so glad I didn’t now.
Do you have a writing mentor, or someone who has influenced your work?
My agent, Juliet, has had a huge influence. She ripped the book to shreds on submission but all of her suggestions made The End of the Line a bolder, better book. It’s an absolute pleasure working with her.
If there was one book that you could have written, other than your own, what would it be and why?
I’d love to have written American Gods. I love it for its atmosphere and prose. The idea is so big you can just sink into it.
What advice would you give to other writers hoping to publish a novel?
Never give up. And always listen to your agent.
Is there a debut novel you’re particularly looking forward to reading in 2019?
I’ve just got my hands on Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Can’t wait to read it!
About the author
Gray Williams was born in Glasgow and raised in Southampton. He now lives in East London with his wife, who fell in love with him after reading an early draft of one of his short stories.
You can follow Gray on Twitter or visit his website here. Buy the book on Amazon.